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Please wear your seatbelt - you know it makes sense!
Fifteen years ago, it became compulsory for adults in the rear of cars to wear seatbelts. Although numbers of adults wearing seatbelts has increased, the Borough’s accident statistics show that failing to wear seatbelts is still a road safety issue. Police investigations show that 8 out of 10 people killed in car crashes died because they were not wearing their seatbelt. Today, the Council’s Road Safety Unit teamed up with Police Officers from the Traffic Unit in a roadside check operation - to warn drivers and passengers.
“We need to educate drivers and passengers into wearing their seatbelts. Of course people are breaking the law - but they are also risking serious injuries. The accident doesn’t have to be their fault. You can’t predict an accident - that’s why seatbelts need to be worn all the time - even for short journeys. Think.” said Angus Culverwell, Principal Road Safety Officer at the London Borough of Bromley.
"The simple act of putting on a seat belt before setting off is a major factor in whether someone will survive a crash or not. Most people are aware the law requires them to wear a seat belt but we still see plenty of people travelling by car without wearing one. I have attended many serious and fatal collisions where vehicle occupants have either been killed or suffered excessively due to not having worn a seat belt. Police are here to educate before this happens but there are a few people for whom only a fine or court appearance will get the message through" said Sergeant Matthew Brimilcombe of Police Traffic Unit.
In April 1991, surveys reveal that only seventeen per cent of adults wore seatbelts when they travelled in the back of cars. This figure now stands at sixty nine per cent. Seatbelt wearing figures have improved in the last twenty three years since seatbelt wearing become compulsory in the front of cars, (31 January 1983). Road Safety Officers and Police Officers are still concerned about the numbers of people who are illegally not wearing seatbelts in the car, either front or rear and are risking serious injuries.
Typical excuses which drivers and passengers give to the Police for not wearing a seatbelt include:
- I have only just got in the car;
- I am not going far;
- It’s uncomfortable; or
- It will crease my clothes.
None of these excuses will stop you in an accident. A seatbelt will.
ENDS
Notes to editors: